RPI goalie Jason Kasdorf stops a shot by Union's #21 Mike Vecchione during Saturday's play for the Mayor's Cup at the Times Union Center January 23, 2016 in Albany, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

RPI goalie Jason Kasdorf stops a shot by Union's #21 Mike Vecchione during Saturday's play for the Mayor's Cup at the Times Union Center January 23, 2016 in Albany, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

RPI goalie Jason Kasdorf catches the puck as Union's #21 Mike Vecchione looks on during Saturday's play for the Mayor's Cup at the Times Union Center January 23, 2016 in Albany, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union) less

RPI goalie Jason Kasdorf catches the puck as Union's #21 Mike Vecchione looks on during Saturday's play for the Mayor's Cup at the Times Union Center January 23, 2016 in Albany, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale / ... more

Union's Mike Vecchione (21)Êreacts after scoring a penalty shot against Clarkson goal tender Greg Lewis (33) in the third period of an NCAA college hockey game Friday, Feb. 5, 2016, in Schenectady, N.Y., (Hans Pennink / Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: HP112 less

Union's Mike Vecchione (21)Êreacts after scoring a penalty shot against Clarkson goal tender Greg Lewis (33) in the third period of an NCAA college hockey game Friday, Feb. 5, 2016, in Schenectady, N.Y., ... more

Union's Cole Maier (17) celebrates his goals with teammate Mike Vecchione (21)Êafter scoring against Sacred Heart goaltender Brett Magnus (33) in the first period of an NCAA college hockey game Friday, Oct 9, 2015, in Schenectady, N.Y. (Hans Pennink / Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: HP102 less

Union's Cole Maier (17) celebrates his goals with teammate Mike Vecchione (21)Êafter scoring against Sacred Heart goaltender Brett Magnus (33) in the first period of an NCAA college hockey game Friday, Oct 9, ... more

Though the college hockey season is still in its infancy, good things have been happening for Union when Mike Vecchione is in position to score.

And even better for Union are the contributions from its senior captain that don't necessarily show up in the scoring summary.

Vecchione is a big reason Union is off to a 4-1-1 start heading into this weekend's ECAC series with rival RPI.

Skating on the same line as Sebastian Vidmar and Spencer Foo, Vecchione leads the NCAA in goals scored (eight) and points (13). He's coming off a four-goal, one-assist game in a 5-2 win over Niagara.

"I feel good out there. I feel like it has a lot to do with the guys I'm playing with as well," Vecchione said. "Game in and game out, we've got to be the best line out there. I thought for the most part, we've been doing it."

Four of Vecchione's goals have come on the power play, tying him for the lead nationally. Vecchione also is a fixture on the Dutchmen's penalty kill.

While Vecchione's contributions on the scorer's sheet are obvious, the impact of the Saugus, Mass., native isn't limited to goals and assists.

Vecchione was won 96 of 143 faceoffs this season, and his win percentage of 67.1 is best among all players nationally who have taken 50 or more draws.

He's also shown willingness to take punishment in the offensive zone by opposing defensemen. And his ability to draw penalties was apparent last week. He drew a pair of minors against RIT on the same play while battling for position in front of the net, and the ensuing power play resulted in Union's first goal in an eventual 5-2 win.

"I never really put any expectations on Mike at all, and our staff hasn't either," Union coach Rick Bennett said. "He just looks like he is having fun out there. We want passionate guys, guys with pride. In any sport, you have to have it."

Vecchione is serving his second season in his role as Dutchmen captain, having shared the duties with Matt Wilkins during the 2015-16 season.

The weight of the responsibility that comes with the "C" can be an anchor for some — but not Vecchione, who embraces his leadership role.

"I'm just trying to play my game and be myself. I'm haven't really changed that much," Vecchione said. "I feel like I'm the same guy. The guys respect the kind of leader I am. I'm not the kind of guy that goes out there and yell and get in guys' faces. I just try to lead by example as best I can."

Vecchione's effort is noticed by his teammates.

"He goes out and leads by example, every practice and every game," sophomore goaltender Jake Kupsky said. "Seeing him go out there and give everything he has, doing the little things and scoring goals, everyone looks up to him."

Those chasing Vecchione in the individual scoring categories may continue to look up to him, too, and opponents will try to deal with the other aspects of his game that make Vecchione a complete player.